Preview: Yomiuri Giants vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows

TOKYO (Interstat) — The Yomiuri Giants host the Tokyo Yakult Swallows on Monday evening at Tokyo Dome in a Central League clash between two teams trending in opposite directions.

Yakult (19-12) holds the league’s best record and enters the game after a 12-2 loss Sunday to the Yokohama BayStars. The Swallows have won four of their last six meetings with the Giants this season, including a 3-1 victory on April 19 in the most recent head-to-head.

Right-hander Nash Walters is a player to watch for Yakult, though he has struggled recently. In his last start Sunday against Yokohama, he allowed three earned runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings in a loss. He also went 0 for 2 at the plate. In his only start this season against the Giants on April 17, Walters was tagged for seven earned runs on eight hits in just 2 2/3 innings of an 8-2 defeat.

Yomiuri (16-14) seeks to build momentum after a 3-0 loss Sunday at Hanshin. The Giants are 5-5 in their last 10 games but have been competitive at home, where they play a two-game set against the Swallows this week.

Right-hander Haruto Inoue has been a bright spot for Yomiuri. In his last start Sunday at Hanshin, he allowed two earned runs on five hits over six innings with eight strikeouts. In two appearances against Yakult this season, Inoue has been effective: He allowed two earned runs on eight hits over six innings in a 2-0 loss on April 12, and two earned runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings in a 3-1 loss on April 19.

The Giants’ offense has been inconsistent, but the team has scored at least four runs in three of its last five games and posted an 8-2 win over Yakult on April 17, the most lopsided result of the season series.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 5-4 victory for Yomiuri, with the Giants holding a 55.90 percent win probability according to the company’s ELO system.

The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday at Tokyo Dome before both teams embark on road trips. Yakult travels to Hiroshima on Friday, while Yomiuri visits Chunichi.